news

Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E. named Notre Dame’s 2026 commencement speaker

By Observer News Staff · Thursday, March 19, 2026

Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E serves the Vatican as President of the Pontifical Commission and Governorate of the Vatican.

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Rivera-Curtis campaign strives to provide better student representation

By Berhan Hagezom · Thursday, March 19, 2026

Juniors Daniela Rivera and Mila Curtis share their own leadership experiences in student government and the initiatives they are planning within their campaign for student body president and vice president.

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ND professors’ research highlights man-made carcinogens hiding in plain sight

By Mara Hall · Thursday, March 19, 2026

Despite their known risks as endocrine disrupters, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are still in many products encountered today from cosmetics to firefighting uniforms. “You can think about PFAS as being the DDT of the 21st century,” Lamberti said.

Chairman of Special Olympics to receive 2026 Laetare Medal

By Observer News Staff · Thursday, March 19, 2026

The University announced Timothy Shriver will receive the 2026 Laetare Medal at Commencement, citing his leadership of Special Olympics and commitment to human dignity.

Longtime Mendoza advisor Gina Shropshire to retire after 27 years of service

By Matthew Morin · Thursday, March 19, 2026

After 27 years of service to the academic advising department of Mendoza College of Business, Gina Shropshire will officially retire on June 30.

ND increases income-based financial aid program for family incomes below $150,000

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Hours ahead of regular decision announcements for the class of 2030, Notre Dame shares expanded income-based financial aid commitment.

Rivera-Curtis runs as the sole ticket for Saint Mary’s presidential ballot

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The Rivera-Curtis ticket is the sole ticket to run for student government association president and vice president for the 2026-27 academic year. Voting will take place Thursday and election results will be released Friday.

Bishop Barron returns to Notre Dame to discuss Old Testament theology

By Mara Hall · Wednesday, March 18, 2026

At a lecture sponsored by the Jacques Maritain Center, Bishop Barron reflected on what we can learn about the character God through Scripture.

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Holy Cross appoints new executive vice president and chief operating officer

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 18, 2026

John McKiernan has been selected as the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of Holy Cross College.

Lou Holtz’s visitation and funeral commemorates a life of ‘tough love’

By Mara Hall and Matthew Morin · Monday, March 16, 2026

Bringing over a thousand people through the Basilica, family, former players, students and well-wishers came to pay their respects to the former Notre Dame Football head coach Lou Holtz.

Saint Mary's commencement speakers and honorary recipients have been announced

Saint Mary's announces commencement speaker, honorary recipients

By Observer News Staff · Monday, March 16, 2026

Saint Mary's College President Katie Conboy recently announced Anne Thompson ’79 as the 179th commencement speaker. Jennifer Holmgren will be awarded a doctorate of science for her leadership work in sustainable companies, with Carmi and Chris Murphy ’68 being honored with the President's Medal.

Incoming student body president and vice president discuss new term

Vera, Fouts wins Holy Cross student government election

By Berhan Hagezom · Thursday, March 5, 2026

Following the conclusion of Holy Cross’ Student Government Association election, with the results announced on Wednesday, juniors Carlos Vera and Abigail Fouts discuss their objectives and goals for the upcoming term.

Dorm retreats foster community, encourage reflection

By Emily Barlett · Thursday, March 5, 2026

Residence hall staff and attendees discuss their experiences in organizing and participating in dorm retreats throughout this semester, as well as offer advice for interested individuals.

Saint Mary’s student reports sexual harassment by Uber driver

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Director of Campus Safety Phil Bambenek sent an email to Saint Mary’s students Tuesday afternoon informing them of a recent sexual harassment incident.

70 SMC community members march to support immigrants

By Aynslee Dellacca and Soledad Castellanos · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Belles Unite Borders led a “March for Unity” in solidarity with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, drawing a crowd of roughly 70 students, faculty, religious sisters and community members.

Faculty discuss OIT updates, attendance policies and Ostermann at senate meeting

By Mara Hall · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

At this month’s faculty senate meeting, elected representatives of the faculty were briefed on updates to a resolution regarding OIT before moving to discuss the Ostermann controversy, the creation of a more universal preprofessional studies supplemental major and attendance and accommodations policies.

Holy Cross College spring formal returns with masquerade theme

By Eileen Doyle · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Holy Cross College’s spring formal, “A Night in Disguise,” will feature a masquerade theme, lowered ticket pricing and menu adjustments based on student feedback. Organizers hope the changes will increase attendance and create an interactive experience.

Saint Mary's Donor Challenge Website Homepage

Saint Mary’s annual Donor Challenge brings in $1.3 million

By Sophie Lewandowski · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The annual fundraising event centers upon raising money for the Saint Mary's Fund. This year, the Donor Challenge was extended to last throughout February rather than just one day. The funds raised from 2,751 donors will contribute to scholarships, technology and campus preservation.

SMC and ND communities react to death of Iranian supreme leader

By Mara Hall and Soledad Castellanos · Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during airstrikes on Feb. 28 during U.S. military operation ‘Epic Fury.’

Students go to prison for ‘Inside-Out’ class

By Andrew Poulton and Jessica Mayor · Tuesday, March 3, 2026

The Institute for Social Concerns class visits Westville Correctional Facility as part of its curriculum.

Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E. named Notre Dame’s 2026 commencement speaker

Rivera-Curtis campaign strives to provide better student representation

ND professors’ research highlights man-made carcinogens hiding in plain sight

Chairman of Special Olympics to receive 2026 Laetare Medal

Longtime Mendoza advisor Gina Shropshire to retire after 27 years of service

ND increases income-based financial aid program for family incomes below $150,000

Rivera-Curtis runs as the sole ticket for Saint Mary’s presidential ballot

Bishop Barron returns to Notre Dame to discuss Old Testament theology

Holy Cross appoints new executive vice president and chief operating officer

Lou Holtz’s visitation and funeral commemorates a life of ‘tough love’

Saint Mary's announces commencement speaker, honorary recipients

Vera, Fouts wins Holy Cross student government election

Dorm retreats foster community, encourage reflection

Saint Mary’s student reports sexual harassment by Uber driver

70 SMC community members march to support immigrants

Faculty discuss OIT updates, attendance policies and Ostermann at senate meeting

Holy Cross College spring formal returns with masquerade theme

Saint Mary’s annual Donor Challenge brings in $1.3 million

SMC and ND communities react to death of Iranian supreme leader

Students go to prison for ‘Inside-Out’ class

Sexual abuse by former Zahm and Sorin rectors confirmed after investigation

Notre Dame food delivery robots join mass exodus from college campuses

Renovations for three North Quad residences confirmed by University Architect

Tornado warning issued for tri-campus community

New bell revealed in Le Mans Bell Tower